The season is open, and the alligators are plentiful
The festival is back and includes bigger and better events, plus some changes. We've got what you need to know.
PLUS: Eileen's Cafe at Wyboo is a family affair. The result is delicious.
McLeod Heart and Vascular Institute is committed to meeting the growing need for heart and vascular care. Our highly-skilled team includes Cardiologists Dr. Dennis Lang and Dr. John Rozich, Electrophysiologist Dr. Prabal Guha, and Vascular Surgeon Dr. William Jackson. Our physicians provide the highest quality adult cardiovascular care utilizing the latest techniques and treatments.
PUBLISHER
Vince Johnson EDITOR
Kayla Green
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Alaysha Maple
Ashley Miller
Bruce Mills
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Micah Green
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Do you feel that? Might it be true?
It's not melting-degrees outside, finally!
This is many people's favorite season of the year, and not just because it's the time of year everything from food to candles to Halloween costumes to dog food has a pumpkin spice tint. No, it's the time of year when we can go outside and actually enjoy it. We can hunt and fish and sit and play. That's what this edition has for you. Starting off with our cover story, we've got an interesting story on alligator hunting with some facts I bet you didn't know.
We also have photos from a Summerton local's second trip to Africa for a safari. He owns a local archery story, so it seems fitting.
After being outside all day, one gets hungry. Hungry for barbecue, home cooking, burgers, you name it. So read about two places around town that can fill you up and make you feel at home in Eileen's Cafe at Wyboo in
Manning and Ashwood Bar and Grill in Bishopville.
And any fall season wouldn't be complete without things to do and places to explore, so we've got the list you need to know. A special event feature this edition has everything you need to know about Duckfest, including changes and expansions to the Summerton classic.
Also inside this magazine is a special section called Home and Decor. It features tips and tricks on making your house a home if you're transient like so many of our wonderful military neighbors are, and it also has insider tips to thrifting as well as a page of fall-themed products from local stores.
As always, thank you for reading Lakeside. If there's someone or something you want to see featured in this lifestyle magazine, email me at kayla@theitem.com. Happy reading!
Power
Bringing all the best in comics and collectibles to the Florence area, Power Comicon will be held at the Florence Center, 3300 W. Radio Drive, Florence, on Saturday, Sept. 16. Event will feature comics, toys, costume apparel, comic artists, writers and all kinds of pop culture memorabilia. Visit https://www. florencecenter.com/events/2023/powercomicon2.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 23, at West Florence High School, 221 N. Beltline Drive, Florence. All proceeds will go toward helping the homeless dogs and cats of the Florence Humane Society, Darlington County Humane Society and Lucky Dog Rescue. Visit https:// pantingforpaws5k.itsyourrace.com/event. aspx?id=11759.
Fall
Join the Town of Coward for its Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Bible Temple, 195 Gause Canal Road, Coward. The event will begin with a parade at 10:30 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a fun-filled family day with food, drinks, arts and crafts, face painting, bounce houses, balloon artist, Bubble Guy, animals and entertainment. Visit https://scliving.coop/events/town-cowardfall-harvest-festival/?occ_dtstart=2023-0930t00:00.
The event has been scheduled for FridaySaturday, Oct. 6-7. Past festivals have featured classic car shows, amusement rides, arts and crafts, food, local musical talents, pageants and more. Contact Pam Turner, festival coordinator, at (843) 687-3349 or pturner67@gmail.com.
Downtown Florence's Fright Fest
Downtown Florence will kick off the Halloween season with its first Downtown Florence’s Fright
Fest to be held on Friday, Oct. 13. Dress up in your favorite costume and take the kids out for trick-or-treating, a kid’s costume contest and music from DJ VooDoo Child from 5:30 to 7 p.m. From 7 to 9 p.m., the adults can enjoy live music from '80s cover band Miracle Max & the Pet Monsters as well as an adult costume contest. Admission to this event is free. There will be food vendors, beer and spooktacular fun.
BOOtanical Garden
Get the family all dressed up in their best costumes and head out to BOOtanical Garden at Moore Farms Botanical Garden, 100 New Zion Road, Lake City, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. Event will feature trick-or-treating through the garden, fallthemed games, crafts and carnivorous plants. To purchase tickets, visit https:// www.moorefarmsbg.org/event/bootanicalgarden-2023.
Fourth Friday Concert Series
The event will feature Terence Lonon and the Untouchables from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at 141 N. Main St., in front of the Sumter County Courthouse. There will be food trucks/vendors available from Lisa Ann's Kitchen, Mi Promesa, Rollin In Da Dough, SO Cool Italian Icee and Sweet Frog. Sertoma will have plenty of cold brews available for sale. The Palmetto Optimist Club will offer free books for the children as well as popcorn for sale. Downtown restaurants will also be open for dine-in or take-out. Bring your chairs and spend an evening enjoying some music and dancing in the streets.
The Sumter Opera House Main Stage Series continues to offer an impressive lineup of national acts as follows: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, The Gatlin Brothers; and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, An Evening with Crystal Gayle. For detailed information about the shows and tickets, visit https://www.sumteroperahouse. com/mainstage.
Temple Sinai Jewish History Center presents Czechoslovakia to Sumter: The Story of a Torah Scroll's Journey to Survive the Holocaust
The Czech Torah scrolls represent the preservation of the Jewish communities of Czechoslovakia, now known as the Czech Republic. Their story and the story of Temple Sinai's scroll No. 848 is recounted in this exhibit. Explore the journey of Czech Torah scroll No. 848 as it traveled from the Bohemian town of Mlada Vozice, to London, to the possession of Temple Sinai in 1972. Visit the exhibit in Ackerman Hall, 11 Church St., during the following dates and times: 10 a.m.1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16; 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21; 1-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28; 1-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29; and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.
The Optimist Gourmet Burger Cookoff and Car Show for Childhood Cancer will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Brody Pavilion, South Harvin Street. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/795587925491155.
Free and open to the public, a talk and book signing with Rachel Barnett and Lyssa Harvey on “Kugels and Collards: Stories of Food, Family, and Tradition in
Carolina” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, 11 Church St. Reception to follow with refreshments and opportunity to purchase books for signing.
One of Downtown Sumter’s most anticipated events, Porches of Sumter 2023 will be bigger and better than ever with some old favorites as well as some homes and cooks never before seen on the tour. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, participants can stop by participating porches and patios throughout Sumter’s downtown historic district for a variety of food and beverages prepared by
local cooks and caterers. Check-in will take place at Patriot Hall, 135 Haynsworth St. Email Breanna Hughes at breanna@sumterchamber. com. Tickets are $30. Register at https:// sumterchambersc.chambermaster.com/ eventregistration/register/5110
Oktoberfest
Sumter’s largest Main Street party, Oktoberfest, will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14. German music will be played on Main Street from 5 to 8:30 p.m., and DJ Howie D’s Entertainment DJs will continue the party in La Piazza. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door. Authentic German and Sumter Original Brewery beer will be available as well as a full German-inspired menu. From live music, dancing and food, this event has something for everyone of all ages. Visit https://sumteroktoberfest.com.
Duckfest Fall Open Team Bass Tournament
The Duckfest Fall Open Team Bass Tournament will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30, at John C. Land Landing in Summerton. Information and entry form can be found at https:// duckfestfun.com/duckfest-applications.
Annual Summerton Duckfest Festival
A family friendly event to promote Summerton as the “Duck Capital of South Carolina,” the Annual Summerton Duckfest Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, and will feature a dog retrieving demo, car show, cook-off, corn hole tournament and so much more. For complete details, visit https://duckfestfun.com/.
Francis Marion Symposium
The event will be held Friday-Saturday, Oct. 2021, at the FE DuBose Campus, Central Carolina Technical College, I-95, Exit 122, Manning. This event about the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War includes lectures, reception, discussions, displays and more. Register early. Email gcsummers@ftc-i.net, call (803) 4782645 or (803) 460-9626. Visit http://www. francismarionsymposium.com.
Fourth-Annual Clarendon Cup Jr. Chamber Golf Tournament
The event will be held on Saturday, Oct 28, at Wyboo Golf Club, 2565 Players Course Drive, Manning. This three-man captain’s choice tournament will have a shotgun start of 11 a.m. Cost is $100 per player, $300 per team. Entry fee includes golf, tee gift, food and beverages. To register, call JT Duke at (803) 460-2391 or Camlin Wilder at (803) 934-6785. Visit the Facebook page at https://clarendoncounty. com/event/clarendon-cup/.
The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, at J.C. Britton Park, 3057 Raccoon Road, Manning. The BIKE, RUN and WALK challenges will take place from 8 a.m. to noon with the festival beginning after. Registration to compete in the challenge is $20 and includes T-shirt, horse and pony rides, and Zumba. Register at www.monarchstrong.com. Admission to the festival is free. There will be music, vendors, games and more.
The event is scheduled out of Clearwater Cove Marina and includes the following: Saturday, Sept. 23, qualifier 1; Saturday, Sept. 30, qualifier 2; Saturday, Oct. 7, qualifier 3; Saturday, Nov. 4, qualifier 4; and Saturday, Nov. 11, Final. Contact Division Director Donald Wells at (803) 338-1091 or email catttrail1@ gmail.com. Visit https://www.cattteamtrail. com/divisions/catt-wateree-tin-boat-trail/.
Presented by the Arts Center of Kershaw County, the event will be held from Sept. 30 through Oct. 8 in Downtown Camden and throughout Kershaw County. The event schedule for this nine-day festival celebrating music, art, drama and dance (MAD) can be found at https://www.madfestivalkc.org/.
The Camden Fire Department will hold its event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Camden City Arena, 420 Broad St. This fun, family-oriented event is held to promote fire prevention and fire safety practices in a fun setting. The parade downtown will begin at 9 a.m. and end at the arena. Free and open to the public, the event will feature antique fire trucks, games for kids, firefighting demonstrations, competitions and local entertainment. Call (803) 425-6040, email egardner@camdensc.org or visit https:// experiencecamdensc.com/event/firefest/.
html to pre-purchase tickets. When you prepurchase tickets, you receive one free drink/ ticket from the concession stand.
The event benefits the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County and will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Camden City Area, 420 Broad St., Camden. Oysters and barbecue will be provided by Haile Street Grill. Tickets will be available for purchase online. Visit https://www.cmcofkc. org/ or https://www.faebook.com/cmcofkc for event updates and more.
Nature as Teacher Preserve for Education
Dress up in your favorite costume and visit Trickor-Treat Trail at the Nature as Teacher Preserve for Education from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at 247 Chestnut Ferry Road, Camden. Visitors will be required to register for a free parking pass with specified arrival times. This is a familyfriendly event. Children should bring bags or buckets for collecting treats. The trail loop is about a 10-minute walk on gravel and mulch with “spooky” animal learning stations. Strollers and wagons welcome. Email leoncic@clemson.edu. Visit https://experiencecamdensc.com/event/ nature-as-teacher-trick-or-treat-trail/.
The Camden Horse and Hound Expo
The event, benefiting Hickory Top Therapeutic Riding, will be held SaturdaySunday, Oct. 21-22. Saturday will be dedicated to the sport of polo at Camden Historic Polo Field, Polo Lane, Camden, with Sunday’s activities taking place at Dale Thiel Show Ring, Fire Tower Road, Camden. Tickets: Saturday’s polo general admission is $25, tailgating spot $100 (includes one general admission ticket) or hospitality tent $125; Sunday’s expo general admission is $15. Visit https:// chhexpo.com/the-event/.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert. Bring the whole family out for a day of live music, farm fresh concessions and farm fun featuring a hayride, games, pumpkin patch, working saw and grits mills and more. Please bring cash as some events are cash-only. Admission is $8 per person with children 2 and under admitted free. Visit http://www.oldmccaskillfarm.com/fallfarmday.
S.C. GUN AND KNIFE SHOWS
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 16-17 - Sumter www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 23-24 - Spartanburg www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 14-15 - Greenville https://www.scgunshows.com
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 21-22 - Camden www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 28-29 - Anderson www.greatamericanpromotionsllc.com
Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 4-5 - Myrtle Beach http://www.mkshows.com
experience that binds families and friends together. However, this year promises a fresh twist as a revamped schedule introduces subtle changes, adding an element of anticipation to festivities.
One change is the actual festival that is typically held in Summerton is being moved to Camp Woodie in Pinewood on Oct. 7.
"Because of the growth of our festival, we are moving the festival. This venue is in Clarendon
Tournament Saturday, Sept. 30
John C. Land Landing
Car Show Saturday, Sept. 30
John C. Land Landing
Dog retrieving demonstration
Duckfest parade
Duckfest cook-off
Color run
Live music
Firefighter challenge Vendors
County and is home to beautiful wildlife as well as a place that kids from all over the U.S. can come and enjoy the great outdoors while learning all about wildlife and preservation," Darby said.
Summerton hosts one of the biggest Duckfest events that has had extreme growth through the years - the duck-calling contest.
"The duck-calling contest has grown into three different contests, which brings folks from all over the Southeast to compete for a chance to win their ticket to compete in the World Championship Duckfest Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Arkansas," she said.
While Summerton typically hosts the main events for Duckfest, some events have moved locations because the festival has outgrown the town.
Don't worry - the same events are still occurring.
The festival will start off Sept. 23 bright and early with the inaugural Summerton Duckfest Golf Tournament at 8:30 a.m. The tournament will be held at The Players Course at Wyboo, 1560 Players Course Drive. Prizes will be given out for first-, second- and third-place winners along with the person with the longest drive, best women’s team and more.
After a day of achieving impressive holes-inone, direct your attention to the Miss Duckfest
Pageant scheduled for Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Weldon Auditorium. Boys and girls can have a spot in the competition. There are two age groups for boys, Wee Master for ages 0 to 23 months and Master for ages 2 to 4 years old. Girls can compete from 0 to more than 20 years old.
Like in 2022, there will be four categories: beauty, color photogenic, black and white photogenic and best smile, eyes, dress and hair.
The week is just ramping up, so make sure to go home and get enough sleep because it just gets better.
"Bringing people into [the county] as well as bringing our local folk together builds camaraderie and showcases all that our beautiful county has to offer," Darby said.
The Fall Open Team Bass Tournament will be held on Sept. 30 at John C. Landing in Summerton. First-place winners are guaranteed $5,000.
That’s not all that will be showcased at John C. Landing; the Duckfest Car Show will be moved there Sept. 30 during the fishing tournament. Prepare to lace up your walking shoes and embark on an exhilarating adventure on Oct. 7 at Camp Woodie, where a plethora of exciting activities await. Kickstart the day at 7 a.m. with a vibrant color run that promises both mess and excitement. Later, at 10 a.m., immerse yourself
in the lively parade and be sure to participate in the ongoing cornhole tournament that scatters entertainment throughout the day.
"Duckfest has grown in popularity every year, and we love that! The other events we offer draw so many people who have different interests, which makes Duckfest a very diverse event for everyone of any age, race and gender," Darby said.
Is your dog an unstoppable force when it comes to leaping into pools or off docks? Channel their boundless energy into the Ultimate Air Dog competition, where they can showcase their prowess for prizes.
Wrap up the week by indulging in a delectable feast during the free cook-off tournament, starting at 5:30 p.m. Savor a bellyful of delights as participants compete for not one, but two awards: the People’s Choice Award and the Judges’ Award.
"This event would not happen without a lot of hard work from our committee members who are responsible for the exponential growth and popularity of this wonderful event," Darby said. "Thank you to everyone who has participated in Duckfest; we are looking forward to another awesome event!"
In the heart of the many dense Clarendon swamps, where the air is thick with anticipation and the murky waters conceal ancient secrets, a group of intrepid hunters embarks on a daring journey. As dawn breaks over the tangled trees, their eyes scan the shadows, searching for the telltale signs of a formidable predator lurking beneath the surface. Welcome to the riveting world of alligator hunting, where bravery and skill converge in a highstakes dance between man and beast.
, the American alligator was listed as “endangered” by the Endangered Species Act, but the predator made a comeback that has since prompted alligator hunting in most Southeastern states, according to the 2022 Public Hunting Report from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, written by DNR wildlife biologist Jay Butfiloski.
The total number of alligators reported caught in South Carolina during the 2022 public alligator hunting season was 322, which was an increase of 12 alligators from the 2021 season, according to last year’s guide.
“A lot of people call them dinosaurs because that’s really kind of what they are, but their population rebounded,” said Lance Cpl. Ed Laney, the state game warden with DNR. Laney patrols the Sumter and Clarendon areas for alligator hunting.
Hunting and fishing guide Bradley Taylor said the species can live up to 60 years in captivity, but in the wild, they rarely live more than 50 years.
“Male alligators can grow up to 16 feet in length, but 13-footers are rare,” Taylor said.
Alligator hunting is from the second Saturday of September to the second Sunday of October because after mating season, eggs are laid around April and May.
“Females can lay around 35 to 40 eggs, and they are incubated for 65 days, so September is the perfect time to start the hunts,” Taylor said.
Alligators are ecologically important, according to Butfiloski. They help maintain the population balance of certain prey species and help shape and modify habitats.
Hunts help contain the number of alligator complaints at a manageable level. According to Butfiloski, the alligator is currently listed as “threatened,” not because of its population but because of its similar appearance to “other rare and protected crocodilians worldwide.” DNR estimates 100,000 alligators live in South Carolina.
SCDNR is tasked with the conservation of the state’s alligator population, and through its Alligator Project, in addition to the Public Alligator Harvest, several other alligator management programs are available. The Public Alligator Harvest Program allows anyone to participate in the alligator harvest. Residents and nonresidents are allowed to partake in the hunt, but all must own a South Carolina hunting license. Through this program, hunters are selected through an online quota application system and random selection process during June and July.
“Each hunter can only harvest one alligator during the season; they are not allowed to kill more than one,” Laney said. “Hunters are given specific regions to hunt in, and they have tags they have to use from DNR.”
For Clarendon and Sumter County, Laney
said alligator hunting benefits the area by reducing the population density in swamps, ponds and lake systems.
“Which in turn reduces nuisance calls and safety concerns from the public relative to the American alligator,” he said. “While also helping out the tourism industry on Lake Marion.”
According to the 2022 guide, alligators in South Carolina are typically found south of the fall line, right at the tip of Interstate 20 in Aiken to Kershaw County, then up U.S. 1 toward Cheraw in Chesterfield County. This may come as a shock to some, but alligators are not found all over the state. They are typically spotted in all wetland areas from the Midlands to the Pee Dee, southern coastal and middle coastal regions in the state.
(no checklist can replace the knowledge of an expert)
- Alligator hunting permit, alligator harvest tag and state hunting license
- Non-resident hunters and all non-resident participants 16 years or older pay an additional $200 non-resident alligator hunting fee
- If hunting on private land, written permission from the landowner
- Boat and all required boating safety equipment, running lights, fire extinguisher, signaling device and life jackets
- Light equipment and spare batteries/power sources
- Capture equipment snatch hook, snare, gig, harpoon or arrow
- Restraint equipment snare for neck and snare for snout
- Preferred dispatch equipment handgun or bang stick
- Knife to cut into alligator’s tail to insert the alligator harvest tag
- Plans for cooling harvested alligator
- Processing plans know where you'll take the animal
“Over time, alligator calls have increased tremendously,” Laney said. “Let’s say how often you see a rabbit, common to see, that’s how common it is to see an alligator.”
Alligators are normally found in marshes, swamps, rivers, farm ponds and lakes in the wild, but they have also been found in ditches, neighborhoods, drainage canals, retention ponds, roadways, golf course ponds and sometimes in swimming pools, according to Butfiloski.
“A lot of them are found in the Santee Cooper lakes,” he said.
According to Butfiloski, nearly any body of water in the Lowcountry has the potential to harbor alligators at one time or another.
“If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone,” Laney said.
Amid the haunting landscapes of the southern wetlands, as day gives way to the inky darkness and the moon’s reflection shimmers on the swamp’s surface, a thrilling and perilous dance starts between hunter and alligator.
Taylor has been one of these hunters, staying in boats for up to 12 hours to catch that single alligator. Alligators must be captured alive before shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal.
The hunter first has to secure a restraining line to the animal, and this can be done by either a handheld snare, harpoons, gigs, arrows or snatch hooks. Once the restraining line is attached, the alligator is retrieved with moderate pressure applied to the line.
“Once the alligator has been captured and brought adjacent to the boat, then we can dispatch it,” Taylor said.
By law, hunters are required to bring the animal boatside or to shore before attempting to dispatch – kill – the animal. The animal can be killed with the use of a bang stick or a handgun.
“To humanely kill an alligator, a shot must be directed to that portion of the neck/head juncture where the neck meets
DNR ESTIMATES
100,000 ALLIGATORS LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 322 ALLIGATORS WERE HARVESTED DURING THE 2022 PUBLIC HUNTING SEASON.
You need to understand that these wild animals are powerful , and all the equipment we use, whether it’s a travel hook, a crossbow, arrow, everything we use is sharp and dangerous .
ALLIGATORS CAN LIVE UP TO 60 YEARS IN CAPTIVITY.
MALE ALLIGATORS CAN GROW UP TO 16 FEET, FEMALES UP TO 13 FEET.
the top of the skull plate and angled slightly towards the skull,” Laney said. “Never assume that any alligator is dead.”
Taylor recalled twice his favorite memories of hunting out on the water.
One early morning about 5 a.m., after a long night out on the water, Taylor was on the Cooper River outside Charleston Harbor. He was out there to chase an alligator.
“We are following this animal, and he pops his head up and then back down, pops up and goes down,” Taylor said. “I look down and see something just below my feet in the water, and it took my breath away by how big it was.”
While laughing, Taylor said he is not easily spooked at night, but when he looked down, “I saw two manatee around my feet, so the manatee scared me, and we are facing an alligator. I will never forget that story.”
Another long night for Taylor was when he caught a 13-foot alligator that was about 600 pounds.
“We snagged that animal with a fishing rod,” he said.
As they were making their way down the river, they spotted him swimming out of a creek.
“We got a line attached to him, and it was about a five- to sixhour event to get that animal,” he said.
Hunting an alligator is nothing like what people see on television, Taylor explained, chuckling. There are strict guidelines for hunters to follow and to keep them safe while out on a hunt.
“You have to physically attach a line to an animal and restrain him before he can be dispatched,” he explained. “Most people use a handgun or a bang stick; the most
popular method of harvest is a fishing rod.”
With a heavy line and a hook, hunters throw it across the animal’s back, snag it, and it is like “fighting a big fish.”
“Our preferred method is using a crossbow that has a line attached to a bolt, and we will shoot the animal and follow the buoy around until we can recover it,” he said.
After the alligator is harvested, hunters must immediately attach the harvest tag to the alligator’s tail, complete the harvest permit within 24 hours and cool the harvested alligator.
“You need to understand that these wild animals are powerful, and all the equipment we use, whether it’s a travel hook, a crossbow, arrow, everything we use is sharp and dangerous,” Taylor emphasized.
Butfiloski said any type of hunting involves risks, and his main advice for hunters is before going on a hunt, inform a reliable person of plans, whereabouts and boat and vehicle descriptions. Also, having a bigger boat is beneficial because it relieves some of the chaos that can occur on a crowded boat.
If a resident spots or encounters an alligator in an area where it shouldn’t be, like a highway or garage, Butfiloski said to call DNR. It is common for them to dispatch contracted agents to remove an alligator from a location where it’s causing an issue.
If there is a concern, DNR can route them to the right person, “but because you just see one by
a body of water, we aren’t going to come and remove it because that is in its natural habitat.”
“Do not interact with the alligator, although if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. If they feel threatened, they will do what it takes to protect themselves,” Laney said.
Taylor encourages hunters to keep a knife on hand just in case they get entangled with the alligator and need to cut a line loose.
“I think it is a very unique experience, and I encourage
people to educate themselves on the animal before hunting or if they were to come in contact with an alligator,” he warned. As the sunlight peeks over the horizon, a stillness settles over the swamp. The hunters gather their gear, exhaustion mixed with adrenaline glued to their faces. The sun rises over the water, casting a “reflection of the long adventure we faced."
For an avid hunter, an African wildlife safari is a top experience, and Clarendon County’s Scott Dault was able to go on his second safari during the summer.
From South Carolina to Namibia, a sparsely populated country bordering South Africa on the continent's western coast, is more than a 30-hour trip, but for an outdoorsman, it is “a dream come true,” and Dault shared his experiences there with Lakeside recently of hunting wild animals in their native habitat.
A bowhunter basically his entire life, Dault has fished in probably 20 states and Canada and hunted in even more than that, he said.
“I have hunted in the Rocky Mountains, in the White Mountains, in the Appalachian Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains,” Dault said. “So, I have done more than most, less than some for sure, but I have enjoyed that lifestyle.”
Based in Summerton, he has made a career out of selling archery equipment at Crossroads Archery in the area.
Of his hunting exploits, Dault describes the two African safaris “as the pinnacle of his career.”
His first safari was in 2014, and his second was for two weeks in late June and early July.
“Going on a safari is multiple species,” he said, “whereas, if you go on, say, an elk
Photos courtesy of Scott Dault
Crossroads Archery owner details what he describes as the 'pinnacle of his career' with trip to Namibia.
hunt here, you get one elk. Or, if you go to Wyoming, you get one antelope. If you go to Africa, you may come back with eight to 10 different animals. I shot eight on my first trip, and this time I shot six.”
From an ethical standpoint, his goal on the summer trip was to shoot different animals than on his first trip.
“I did not want to duplicate what I had already shot,” he said. “I didn’t want to shoot the same animals that I already had, and I was looking for different animals. So, henceforth, I did not have as big a pool to choose from. I could have shot animals that I had already shot before, but my thinking was against that.”
His shots this time included a 2,000-pound eland, which he describes as the world’s biggest antelope, a zebra (at 600 to 700 pounds), an impala, a waterbuck, a springbok and a steenbok.
Dault describes his career as a rewarding lifestyle.
“Fortunately, I have been able to do some of these things that I have always wanted to do, and Africa was one of them,” he said. “The latest trip was more about seeing friends that I made over there on the first trip as much as it was the hunt.
“The hunt is fun, and it was rewarding. It’s a target-rich environment with a lot of different animals. We don’t have that situation here where you can go to one place, unless you go to an exotic ranch in Texas where they have a lot of different animals that you can hunt. But we are hunting animals in their native habitat in Africa. Not ones that you are putting in an enclosure, basically.”
D ault said eating the wild game that was shot is a daily routine on a safari. His favorite was zebra.
“I would rather have zebra than beef,” he said.
Americans often humanize animals, Dault said, but a zebra is just another bovine animal like a cow, horse or an elk and in that same family of animals.
“At first, I was hesitant with the idea a little,” Dault said. “But, once I tasted it, I was like, ‘You can throw me another one of those on the grill.’”
Fall is a time for festivals, farm visits and spooky treats. As the weather cools and the air gets crisper, take a look back at some fall events we've covered at Lakeside and The Sumter Item. Some of these annual events are featured in the events page of this magazine. Information on others can be found by following The Sumter Item online, in print and on social media. What's your favorite fall event in the area? Email us at editor@theitem.com.
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It has always been my dream to help people in the community. Being here every day at Tanners allows me to send people to work in the morning and home in the evening with a smile on their face.
I very much appreciate my customers and employees because without them I wouldn’t have any of this or be able to serve the community. You all make Tanners the Best of Clarendon.
Also voted 9 years in a row for Best of Sumter
Driving along the cobbled road of Highway 260 through Clarendon County offers a tranquil escape to a hidden culinary gem.
Fields stretching on both sides, their tall grasses appearing to race alongside your car in a playful dance, bring you to take two deliberate right turns. The anticipation builds as the road begins to wind tightly through a canopy of trees. Trekking through, the path opens up, sunlight pouring in to illuminate what lies ahead - a
charming white building, its hue mirroring the cotton-like clouds above, sits nestled alongside a golf course, exuding an air of quaint elegance to lure unsuspected travelers in to the secret, smoky treasure waiting inside.
Eileen’s Cafe at Wyboo, at 2572 Players Course Drive in Manning, is a culinary ode to the late Eileen Rappa. Born in Belfast, North Ireland, she immigrated to the
Shewasjustreallya saintofaperson... shealwaysjustlooked outforpeople,you know?Whenpeople talkaboutwhat wouldJesusdo?She really,shereallyjust captivatedthat.
United States at 18. Beginning in Boston, Massachusetts, her family moved around before putting down roots in Imperial Beach, California. Her son, Vince J. Rappa, would go on to marry and start a family in Atlanta about 1989. He bought his first smoker in 1990, taking the next three decades to become a master in the culinary craft before migrating back to the West Coast in 2010 to be closer to his mom. For nearly a decade, the Rappa family stayed nestled under Eileen’s light - her love of discovering new places, threads and foods being a shared activity among the bunch before she passed away in 2017.
“She was just really a saint of a person,” shared Vincent T. Rappa, Eileen’s grandson, a tinge of sadness to his voice. “I mean, she always just looked out for people, you know? When people talk about what would Jesus do? She really, she really just captivated that.”
The Rappas' story on the founding of Eileen’s Cafe is one of dedication and collaboration. Vince J.’s mastery of the art of meat smoking is three decades in the making, his skills perfected to inject meat with layers of rich, smoky flavor. Vincent T. embarked on his culinary journey in the Bassland District of San Diego and worked with renowned chefs, like Christian Graves and Jack Fisher. The younger Rappa moved to Wyoming at 19, became an executive chef at 24 and a father shortly after. While raising his own family, Vincent T.’s desire to be closer to his parents was inevitable, and after much discussion, the father-son duo set their sights on opening a food truck. Their plans diverted after being drawn to the serene landscapes and welcoming community of Clarendon County.
Eager to share their passion for flavor and create a culinary haven within the pale blue walls of their small café, they purchased the Players Course Drive location, which required a large overhaul of work.
After a year and a half of county approvals, maximizing the efficiency of their small kitchen through a customized layout courtesy of Foodservice & Restaurant Supply of the Carolinas and
flipping the inside of the restaurant to be painted by the hands of the Rappas in a color palette that is easy on the eyes, decorated with memorabilia crafted by the Rappas that’s near and dear to the family and an atmosphere inspired by the Rappas where you enter as a stranger and leave as family, the café doors opened on May 23.
The menu at Eileen's Cafe is a fusion of traditional Southern cuisine with a French twistcrafted at the hands of Vince J. and Vincent T. Smoked meats serve as a flavorful and savory foundation for its dishes, their slow-cooked method infusing the various cuts of meat with a rich, smoky aroma.
The Charlestown sandwich, a play on the classic French dip, features injected-cured brisket, caramelized onions, bell peppers, Swiss cheese and an exquisite redeye sauce that boasts a blend of flavors that lingers long after the last
bite. Meanwhile, the Cuban Sunrise presents a pork loin that has been carefully cured and ground, creating a texture similar to that of ham. This delightful creation is topped with honey mustard aioli and house-made pickles, all nestled in a sourdough bun.
Early birds also are in for a treat, as the café’s breakfast menu features dishes like the Breakfast Burger, a ¼-pound brisket patty seared to fit deliciously between your choice of buttery toast or English muffin, topped with white American cheese and an egg fried to your liking. Or get the day started with savory selections inspired by hardworking herdsmen like The Cattleman, tender brisket over a bed of country potato hash with two eggs cooked to order and a dollop of hollandaise, or The Hog Hunter, the country potato hash topped with succulent pulled pork, eggs and a finishing of house-made barbecue sauce.
Monice Rappa, wife of Vince J., fills many slots within the business, from a helping hand
in the kitchen to the first of many smiling faces seen upon entering the café to a connoisseur of recipes, as she was victorious in the unofficial Rappa family contest creating the house sausage recipe. With spice and flavor in every bite, the staple meat is featured in dishes like The Appalachian, which includes two Southern-style biscuits smothered in house sausage gravy accompanied by country potato hash and eggs. But Eileen's is more than a dining destination; it's a hub of culinary exploration. Beyond the menu, the Rappas continually seek to enhance their patrons’ dining experience with themed events, from Spaghetti Wednesdays, offering their play on Italian cuisine including spaghetti Bolognese and chicken alfredo fettuccine, to Flat Bread Fridays, showcasing inventive flatbreads baked with love inside Vince J.’s smoker, to Wine and Cheese Saturdays, featuring exquisite wines and an array of fine cheeses. With each event, an extra layer of excitement and indulgence is added to Clarendon’s culinary scene.
From grinding up recipes in their family kitchen to bringing their creations to the community’s tables, the Rappas take pride in the “at-home” atmosphere their food and venue bring to the community. With each bite, the community gets a taste of the labor of love the family pours into their passion - and the family only has more to offer in the future.
As Eileen's Cafe at Wyboo continues to flourish, the Rappas are excited about the endless possibilities ahead. In less than a year, the family’s unyielding commitment to crafting exceptional dining experiences has warranted great response from the community and beautiful
bonds with locals from across the county. While expansion in its menu, dining hours and staff may be on the horizon, their primary focus remains the same: to be a culinary destination where people can gather, savor exceptional flavors and create lasting memories.
With a menu that pays homage to tradition, innovation and their matriarch’s love of cultivating cuisine, Eileen’s Cafe at Wyboo invites diners to share in the Rappas' passion for food, flavor and the art of creating moments that resonate long after the meal is over.
Eileen's Cafe at Wyboo beckons locals and travelers alike to partake in a culinary adventure that transcends mere dining.
GIVE EILEEN'S A VISIT!
2572 Players Course Drive Manning, SC 29102
(803) 472-0123
Hours: 7 am - 3 pm
Monday - Saturday
Closed Sunday
The paint might be chipping. And the sign's not quite all there. But it is what's inside the Ashwood Bar & Grill that really shines.
Words and photos by Adam Flash
“Don’t judge a book by its cover,’” is how Brian Pack, a longtime customer of Ashwood Bar & Grill, would describe the place. “If I was to pass by, I’d never come here. [Now], I tell everybody about it.”
On the side of the highway in the unincorporated community of Ashwood, between Sumter and Bishopville, stands an old white building from the 1950s. Beginning as a grocery store, it has evolved into the familyowned restaurant it is today. Despite little to no renovation done since its inception, the place is much more about the community inside than the appearance outside, a place owners and customers alike call home.
“It just makes me feel so good to know that we've given people a good meal and friendship and family and fun,” said Trish McKnight, store owner.
Known for their hamburgers and from word-
of-mouth marketing that spreads around town, a typical day sees a diverse group of people coming into the old-fashioned biker bar atmosphere, from church study groups to bikers themselves and a lot of folks in between.
“We have all kinds of customers, and I just love the variety of people that come here,” McKnight said. “Sometimes it surprises me the people that come in here that know each other.”
Pack agrees.
“It's the people, it's the atmosphere. You come in and get a burger, and you sit around and talk to some of these people, you won't want to leave. I don't,” he said.
A regular at the restaurant, he drives 40 minutes on average three times a week to enjoy the food and company of others.
"Most of these people are family, and I don’t live in this area. It's a good place," he said.
For McKnight, the store has always been a family affair, both literally and figuratively. She grew up in the building and has run it alongside
family for years, notably her father, Alan, who passed away earlier in the summer. In a time of mourning, the Ashwood community was there.
“I would hope that a lot of people have the same thing that I have here: people to depend on," she said,
While the community is a large draw, it is a restaurant in the end, and the menu offers a regular variety of American-style food, with hamburgers and chicken wings their most popular items.
“People don't know what they're missing unless they come out here and try it,” said Clark Burows, another regular who comes in multiple times a week to eat or socialize. "Don’t go by the appearance on the outside, and then when you walk in, don't let the appearance on the inside scare you. The food is damn good.”
Ashwood Bar & Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’re located at 4184 Sumter Highway, Bishopville.
FTC is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal government program aimed at assisting lowincome households pay for internet service. The ACP will provide a discount of up to $30 on internet bills for households that meet income eligibility requirements.
Check to see if you are eligible for ACP by going to ACPBenefit.org/do-i-qualify. To enroll in the ACP with FTC, participants must first be approved under the National Verifier. To apply through the National Verifier, go to ACPBenefit.org.
A look at the latest trends, fall fashion and musthaves in Sumter for 2023
these pieces invite you to bring the beauty of
season has to offer. Whether you're looking to update your wardrobe, infuse your home with fall charm or savor the flavors of the season, Sumter stores come stocked with all you need and more.
This season’s palette oozes with rich and inviting colors. From fiery oranges and deep reds to earthy browns and muted yellows, the hues of autumn evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Fill your home with the spirit of fall. From rustic throw blankets in earthy tones to plush pillows of acorns and their charming counterparts to candles scented to perfection,
Step out in style this season. Embrace the crisp weather with sweaters in autumn-infused shades, possessing both comfort and style. Pair them with cozy scarves to not only keep you warm, but also add a pop of color to your look. Fall-themed accessories, like leaf-inspired earrings and nature-inspired pendants, complete your look with a touch of seasonal charm.
Embrace the great outdoors with various fall-themed outdoor gear. Cozy up by the bonfire in a plaid blanket scarf, fend off pesky pests with essential oil candles or explore puddled landscapes in waterproof boots that double in style and functionality.
Simpson Hardware & Sports
Big Green Egg-large
Simpson Hardware & Sports
Solo Stove 19.5 in.
Smokeless Wood Fire Pit with Stand
The nostalgic, random, humorous world of thrifting and advice on how to go about it, according to Sumter and Manning thrift store owners
Ceramic birds.
Plaid bean bags. Golf clubs.
“I’m proud to be an underwater basket weaver” shirts.
Tiffany lamps. 19th-century China plates.
Grand pianos. War memorabilia.
Church baptism tub.
Vintage prom dresses.
One can find all these random things and more at a thrift store.
o some, thrifting is a sport. And for others, thrifting is done as frequently as grocery shopping because finding bargains on everyday items is not hard in a thrift store. It’s possible to walk out with multiple items with only having spent $10, and it’s also possible to walk out having spent thousands on a collector’s item. Through and through, thrifting is for everyone, according to Chris Ruff of Broad Street Thrift Mart.
Near Highland Avenue on Broad Street is Ruff’s store. It’s roughly the size of a small warehouse, and every room is filled to the brim with items Sumterites and tri-county locals alike can thrift.
Ruff’s main tip for thrifting is to go with what you like. It seems simple, but when you’re surrounded by aisles and aisles of miscellaneous things, it can be easy to go with what’s trendy or what you might think would get snatched up quickly.
“Some people might think that what you want is gaudy looking, and others might think it’s really cool,” he said.
He also said collectors are often thrifters but that they often visit a thrift store first before deciding what to collect.
In other words, they seldom come in asking for a particular item; instead, collectors let their mind and feet run free in the store, and they usually end up seeing things they want to start collecting, like sports memorabilia.
“My wife is a Green Bay fan, and I’m a Chicago Bears fan, so between that and our other collections, like I collect Transformers and Godzillas, we have a lot of thrifted collections,” Ruff said. “At the store, we get toys from the ‘80s, baseball cards, stuff from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and I got something from the ‘30s just the other day.”
Angela Radcliffe of Puzzlemepieces in Manning said her customers often say they’re looking for something from
Ttheir childhood.
“I couldn’t tell you what customers couldn’t find here,” she said, echoing the sentiment that anyone can find something they like while thrifting.
Radcliffe will travel around to snatch beautiful items to put in her thrift store. She says auctions and estate sales are good places to find antiques and beautiful things. She will also let local artists sell their work in her store.
Ruff and his staff, because of their consistent stream of donated items, are putting out baskets of new things daily.
There’s no better word for it than “things.” Thrifting is an unpredictable, sometimes nostalgic, sometimes humorous experience.
Radcliffe said it’s important to remember not everything in a thrift store is used. Sometimes, it’s new. Sometimes it’s old yet never unpackaged.
One of her tips for thrifting is that customers can tell some thrift store owners what they’re looking for, and if it’s not in the store, the owner might know of an estate sale or auction where such an item might be. They’re treasure hunters, essentially, and sometimes they’re casual historians. So, if you see something interesting in a thrift store and you don’t know quite what it is, chances are the thrift store owner knows what year it’s from and what it is.
Ruff doesn’t have many concrete tips on how to thrift well because it really just depends on what you’re looking for.
Know that household items like plates and clothing tend to sell the quickest, he said, and if you’re on the hunt for specific kitchenware, replacements.com is the way to go.
“I had a pair of boots in here the other day that sold for like $800,” he said.
But again, according to Ruff, just go with what you like.
Board Street Thrift Mart is at 426 Broad St. in Sumter.
Puzzlemepieces is at 35 N. Brooks St. in Manning.
Vacation rentals around Lake Marion in Clarendon County attract all sorts of personalities. On a larger scale, lake vacation rentals in general fill a niché in the vacation industry that attracts loyal clients.
Some go to be alone and fish in solitude.
On Lake Marion, largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, bream and crappie (nervously) await your hook and bait.
It’s a family place and a friend place, but above all else, it’s a fine oasis for peace and quiet.
The Clarendon County area is home to tons of vacation rentals via Vrbo, AirBnB and more.
Vacation rental manager Whitney Phillips of Clarendon County said it was because of COVID-19 that renting an entire home or apartment instead of booking at a hotel or resort became so popular.
These lake vacation stay options allow for a more aesthetic stay.
Instead of the typical two queen beds with generic art above them
like one might see in a hotel, Vrbo and AirBnB owners are able to be more creative with their decorations, thus making their rentals more desirable.
And instead of typical beach rental or downtown city rental decorations, lake rentals offer a specific kind of aesthetic that is meant to be calming and help one feel as though the rest of the world has disappeared.
Phillips said most of her rentals have rustic and outdoorsy themes that any person, whether they are there to fish or to reunite with family, can feel comfortable in.
And because AirBnBs and Vrbo rentals are homes that are owned by individuals, no two are alike.
Also, many Lake Marion vacation rentals have a binder in them with a list of places to go and eat in the area. These are made by the hosts so visitors can take a local’s word for what’s fun and worth the money during their stay.
NicoleNorrisgrewupamilitarybrat. So,she’smovedaroundalot,bothin childhoodandinheradultlife.
NowsheownsNicoleNorrisInterior DesignStudioinSumter.
Sheknowswhatit’sliketohaveto moveallthetime.
Andshedoesn’tthinkthatlivinga transientlifeshouldbaranyonefrom makingtheirhomeabeautifulplace.
“So,whenIwasyoung,likeasenior inhighschool,wemovedtoahouse inGermany,andIhadthebesttime rearrangingmyroom,”shesaid.
Norrisrecalledstrategicallydividing upherroomtomakeagoodplace
forclotheswhilestillhavingroomto decorate.
RebeccaComptonofGallery406 InteriorsinSumtersaidanythinga transientpersoncandotominimize typicalmovingstressesiswellworthit. She’shelpedafewmilitaryfamiliesand otherpeoplemovethroughtheyears withoutsacrificingelementsthatmake theirhome“home-y”andsaidthatatits core,organizationiskey.
Combined,NorrisandComptonhave 15practicalideas-somecostefficient andsomemightbeasplurge-tohelp makeconstantlymovingconstantly smoothandgoodlooking.
Compton said labeling a box as miscellaneous might seem easy in the moment, but when it comes time to unpack in the new place, one might regret that label; however, some items are just random! No one takes stock of every belonging and assigns it a category, so what can you do when you need to box and label miscellaneous items for a move? Label the box for what room it will likely go in. “Bathroom.” “Kitchen.” “Pantry.” “Outdoor shed.” You get the idea.
Sometimes, storage units are handy, but if you can’t recall exactly what’s in storage, then you might be forgetting you even own it, so why keep it? Storing heavy coats during summer or baby furniture until the possibility of a new family member might make sense, but it will reduce one’s stress when it’s time for a move if just about everything you own can fit into your home.
Transient people are likely familiar with purging or spring cleaning. It’s easy to get into the toss it mindset, but don’t throw away something that’s dear to you if you can help it. Sentimental items should move with you when possible, both Compton and Norris said, because when you move and you’re in a new environment, having something that you hold dear will help you establish that sense of home quickly. Take this advice with a grain of salt, though, if you’re someone who finds sentimentality in too many items.
Moving is hard. So, ask for help. Ask for help with packing and unpacking. And if you’re someone who does find sentimentality in too many things, talking through it with an objective person can help you prioritize what is really that dear to you and worth moving.
If it’s in the budget, consider asking for professional help.
Compton said she remembers helping a military family years ago. When the movers dumped everything they own into a single room of their new home, they became overwhelmed.
“I know when she first called me, she was in a panic because the movers had dropped the furniture at the house, and everything was all crammed in a little patio,” she said. “I talked with her and was able to calm her nerves, then we got to work and had everything in a more manageable spot in just a couple of days.”
With packing and unpacking, take it one room at a time. Norris said to start with the most important room, the bedroom. Before anything else, set up your bed. “My mom taught me to make my bed first,” she said. “So, when I haven’t gotten a lot done and there’s lots to unpack, at least I can get into bed with my bedding all set up and feel good about being in a new place.”
Like Compton said, organization is key to making moving go as smoothly as possible. According to Norris, shallow plastic tubs are helpful because they can slide under furniture. They’re easy to get out of the way quickly, thus reducing clutter and stress.
And on a more aesthetic note, dual-purpose furniture can have much the same effect, Norris said. There are lots of pieces of furniture that discreetly store items, like footrests that open up for blanket storage or headboards with shelving.
Maybe you look at moving as an opportunity to redesign things and try new styles, so if you want to do that but don’t want to buy all new items, Norris said that neutrally colored large pieces like couches can enable you to dress them up differently as often as you’d like with things like accent pillows.
There is no need to adhere to one particular style such as mid-century modern, rustic, minimalist, contemporary, etc.
Compton said it’s best to like what you like and not to worry whether it adheres to a particular style because pieces from various styles can go together very nicely.
In her own home, Compton said, there are decorations that adhere to a range of styles.
According to Norris, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a cost-efficient and renter-friendly way to add some individuality and color to a space. It can be tedious to use, but anyone can learn how to apply it and remove it.
“If the lighting is harsh, like the overhead lighting is harsh or not very pleasing, then you can use portable lighting as a softer, warmer moodcreating ambience,” Norris said.
Lamps, depending on what you can find, can be inexpensive, and they’re made in such a wide array of designs that it’s not hard to find one you like. Same goes for mirrors. They can enlarge a space, Norris said, and can come in beautiful framing.
And plants can boost one’s mood and health, according to science. Fake or preferably real, plants can help make a space beautiful. Green is the new black.
11. Find art you like at any price.
Moving every few years or so is hard, but it’s something to be proud of, Norris said, and your decorations should exhibit that.
Buying art, whether pricy or not, is a great
way to add beauty to your home while showing where you’ve been. It can help you feel better about having to move a lot, and it’s a great conversation starter.
Norris said setting up mementos and art that is representative of all the places you’ve lived is a great way to feel good about being transient.
12. Set up art and accessories last.
According to Compton, setting up large items first and smaller items last is a great way to reduce stress while moving.
Setting up art and accessories last allows you to change your mind about how larger pieces are arranged without having to redo too much.
13. Never doubt a good picture frame.
This can get pricy, but if you can afford it, having pictures and art professionally framed is a great way to not only protect and renew photos and art, but it's also a great way to dress them up, Compton said.
14. Lose the Command hooks.
Command hooks are often marketed as renter-friendly, according to Compton, but more often than not, they cause more damage and are less reliable than the classic nail and hammer.
“It’s easier to patch up a small hole than peeled paint,” Compton said.
15. Decoration and identity are tied.
Both designers agree that your space is your space, so it should represent who you are and what you like.
“It's just a true pleasure to work with people, especially when you know how they are and who
they are and they collect so many interesting things that it makes it really fun to try to help them get their house set up and have it looking the way they want,” Compton said.
Knowing that design and identity are closely intertwined can help transient people establish a sense of home quickly. Your dearest belongings don’t have to fit a trend or a style. If they are beautiful and personal to you, that is what is going to help you feel at home wherever you move.
Nicole Norris of Nicole Norris Design Studio can be reached at (803) 773-8083.
Rebecca Compton of Gallery 406 Interiors can be reached at (803) 774-0406.
